There are multiple hypothesis tests available in Minitab and should be utilized as per data type and the objective.

Let’s take an example of one sample t-test.

One sample t-test

One sample t-test is used to compare population mean with a defined value using sample data.

The test uses sample standard deviation to calculate population standard deviation. If there is a large difference between the sample mean and the specified test mean (given value), then the test concludes that it is highly unlikely that population means will be anywhere near test mean.

Assumptions

1. Sample data follows normal distribution

2. Sample data is random

Analysis in Minitab

Let’s assume sample data of average handling time:

To validate if the goal of reducing population mean to 4 minutes is significant, we can use one-sample t-test.

H0: Hypothesized Mean (4 min) = Population Mean (µ)

H1: Hypothesized Mean > Population Mean (µ)

Step 1: Check if data follows normal distribution to ensure we can use t-test.

To check do to Stat -> Basic Statistics -> Graphical Summary

If p-value is greater than 0.05, that means data follows the normal distribution.

NEBOSH stands for “National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety. It is UK based independent examination board providing certification in health, Safety, and Environment. This course provides broader knowledge on risk management, health, and safety.

IOSH stands for “Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.” It’s professional health and safety membership forum, conducts training for managers, supervisor. This training will help managers to take appropriate action to handle practical situations.

Both NEBOSH and IOSH are relevant if you are looking for long term career in health and safety.

Now, let’s look at Six Sigma relevance.

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology first introduced in the 1970s. Six Sigma is based on data analysis, hence helps in reducing risk which one of the many reasons that Six Sigma is still preferred over other improvement methodologies. The objective is to remove defects at the source and bring down performance to ‘six sigma’ level i.e. 3.4 defects for every one million opportunities. Continuous effort is made to achieve stable and predictable process.

Jack Welch made it the center of business strategy at General Electrical. In today’s competitive world, Six Sigma has widely accepted as a philosophy for growth across different sectors.

Six Sigma applies to all departments and industries. It has a very broad scope. So, professionals at all level are taking this course to improve day-to-day business and hence their performance.

Long answer short, my recommendation is you should go for Six Sigma course.

5S is a lean tool used for organizing the workplace. 5S represents 5 Japanese words all starting with ‘S,’ Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in Order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain). It was invented in Japan to enable Just in time production. Unlike general norms, 5S has application in manufacturing as well as service industries

Seiri mean Sort i.e. segregating what is needed and not needed. This is the most challenging and important step of implementing 5S as the human tendency is to preserve everything. For example, Computer Desktop has so many files that may or may not be always required, which makes it difficult to find the desired file. Similar is the case with team shared drives.

Seiton means Set in order i.e. defining a place for everything and keep it in its designated location. For example in shared drives, the nomenclature for folders should be such that anyone can understand where to save a particular file.

Seiketsu mean Standardize i.e. the instruction to maintain and monitor first three steps should be clearly defined. 5S is not a one-time job; it is a regular activity. Hence once the required frequency to repeat first three steps is agreed it should be standardized. Also, it helps in sharing best practices rather than re-inventing the wheel.

Shitsuke mean Sustain. It is all about building self-discipline. All these steps should be done without being told to do. The process should be set to regularly audit and monitor for all the departments